Word Origin & History

circulate 1471, as a chemical term for alternating vaporization and condensation, from L. circulatus, pp. of circulare, from circulus (see circle). Meaning "to move around, revolve" is from 1670s; of blood, from 1656; of persons, "to mingle in a social gathering," from 1863. Sense of "to pass about freely" is from 1664; of newspapers from 1885. Related: Circulating (1630s).

Example Sentences for circulate

That was how the phrase began to circulate, and what it meant; nothing more.'

After this piece of nautical gallantry, the glass began to circulate.

On the very next morning vague rumours began to circulate in the markets.

The animal is a sort of 'world' to the particles of the blood which circulate in it.

It was, indeed, a realm where this coinage did not circulate.

The fumes of the place seemed to circulate about her unnoticed.

Circulate -us: having a cingulum or collar: see also cinetus.

"The blood's beginning to circulate back," said the Halfbreed.

You will circulate about the town, as sight-seers usually do.

It does the same with soil if permitted to circulate freely through it.